PopCap puts out downloadable version of Bejeweled Blitz @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on April 09, 2010

News: For the low, low price of $19.95.

Since launching in late 2008, Bejeweled Blitz has become one of the most popular games on Facebook, boasting more users than even FarmVille. Yesterday, publisher PopCap Games released a downloadable version of their one-minute match-3 puzzler.

Available to download from PopCap.com for $19.95, this new version of Bejeweled Blitz offers several advantages over the Facebook version. Namely, "full-screen play, dramatically enhanced sound and graphics, dozens of new achievements and corresponding badges, and 1 million coins redeemable for УBlitz BoostsФ Ч power-ups and other score-stimulating effects." Players will also be able to connect the downloadable version to their Facebook account to brag to their friends about high scores and new badges.

УBejeweled Blitz is 10 years of the most popular puzzle game of the century packed into a minute-long experience,Ф said Jason Kapalka, co-founder and chief creative officer at PopCap Games. УIt's the purest form of Bejeweled that we've ever concocted, factoring in everything PopCap has learned from a decade of development and feedback from millions of fans. By adding social and competitive elements and a time limit, we've distilled Bejeweled down to its essence with Bejeweled Blitz, and the new PC downloadable version makes the game available in the largest, most vibrant form factor yet by far. For some players this could be the version that takes their Bejeweled Blitz game to new heights.Ф

The Facebook edition of Bejeweled Blitz was selected as one of our Favorite Games of 2009. We'll have more soon.